Aires has come up with a remarkably accurate rendition of the WWII Soviet FAB-100 bomb, and now a pair of them in their new Aero Bonus detail part line. Aero Bonus set #480 058 provides six resin parts that make up into two of these little bombs. Unlike some of the other Aero Bonus bomb and rocket sets, this one does not include painting instructions or decals for markings. The photos below show the components and a finished product ready to paint.

The parts are cast in typical Aires/Quickboost gray resin on a single block with molded upright extensions on the ends to protect the delicate parts. I used a #11 blade and a razor saw to remove the parts from the casting block and squared up everything carefully with a sanding stick. A simple line drawing is provided to guide assembly. Three of the p/e parts quickly become one FAB-100 bomb. The bomb body and fins are cast with short protrusions that can be dressed up with a sanding stick but be careful not to trim off the stub on the arming propeller as it fits into a hole in the nose cone. Super glue is the adhesive of choice for assembling everything. Then, check your references for the correct colors for the bomb type you will be modeling.

Not much more needs to be said, except that the finished product will enhance any 1/48 scale Su-2, Pe-2, Tu-2, IL-2 Yak-9B or lowly PO-2 outfitted with a bomb for nighttime troop harassing missions. This detail set is highly recommended. My thanks to Aires afor the review sample and IPMS USA for the opportunity to review it.